Both Latos, the 22-year-old ace of the Padres pitching staff,and Whitson, the Padres’ first-round pick in this year’s draft,were referring to the Aflac All-America Baseball Classic.

Sunday, shortstop Phillip Evans of La Costa Canyon High andpitcher/outfielder Daniel Camarena of Cathedral Classic will playin the eighth edition of the game, which has turned into the topsummer showcase for high school seniors to be.

Latos, who was drafted out of Coconut Creek High in Florida,played in 2005 when the game was in its infancy.

“It was the second or third year, and we played in Aberdeen,Maryland,” Latos said. “I went because I was told to go, but itwasn’t that big a deal.

“It was hot and humid, and it wasn’t all that much fun.

“Now, I wish I’d have paid more attention because the game hasbecome a big deal.”

Of the 40 players from last year’s game, also held at PetcoPark, 38 were drafted, including 15 first-round picks and eightsecond-rounders.

Whitson, a hard-throwing right-hander out of Chipley High inFlorida, has yet to sign with the Padres. He was one of thefirst-rounders who played in last year’s game.

Pitcher A.J. Vanegas, who was taken in the seventh round by thePadres, also played in last year’s game.

Donavan Tate, Everett Williams and Keyvius Sampson, the first,second and fourth-round picks of the Padres in 2009, also played inthe Aflac Game. Whitson’s most-vivid memory is striking outcatcher Bryce Harper, the top pick in the June draft.

“That experience, pitching in Petco Park, striking out Harper,was second to none,” said Whitson, who also played last summer inChicago’s Wrigley Field.

“Everybody knew Bryce Harper and it was a big deal to facehim.

“He was the fourth batter of the inning, and I wanted tochallenge him with a fastball.

“I threw him a first-pitch slider, then blew two fastballs byhim.”

Evans, a slick-fielding, hard hitting shortstop, sees Sunday’sgame as a chance to show the nation he can play, a fact pro scoutsand college recruiters already know.

“Being picked to play in this game is a huge honor,” said Evans,who has committed to play at San Diego State in 2012. “This gamehas been a dream since I started playing high school baseball.

“Really, it’s a huge deal.

“I’m 100 percent committed to San Diego State, unless lifechanges, and I get another opportunity.”

That opportunity would be pro ball. And the fact so many of theplayers in this game are taken high, hasn’t escaped Evans.

“Oh yeah. I’m aware of the quality of players in this game,"Evans said. “That’s why it means so much to be chosen to play.”

Camarena, who has committed to USD, is also very aware of whatit means to be an Aflac All-American.

“This is huge and humbling,” Camarena said. “It’s something I’llremember all my life.

“I come to Padres games, and I played in Petco Park last year ina regular-season game, but this will be different.

“I’ll be playing against the best players in the country, andthere will be people in the stands.”

Last year’s game drew 8,000 fans with nearly every big-leagueclub represented with scouts.

“The Padres have a strong commitment to youth baseball, and thisis a big part of that commitment,” said president and COO of thePadres Tom Garfinkel.

“Plus, we’re proud to be affiliated with Rady’s Children’sHospital.”

Rady’s Children’s Hospital is the game’s designated charity. Aportion of the game’s proceeds will go to the fight againstchildhood cancer.

“It takes a community to do this,” said Al Kidd, president ofthe San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum, and the drivingforce behind bringing the game to San Diego.

“It’s the best amateur game in the country, a real first-classevent.

“A lot of people work hard to make sure this is an event theseyoung men will never forget."